Parents Guide to Advocacy: Navigating the Special Education System with Confidence

Does attending IEP meetings full of educational jargon and legalese leave you confused, overwhelmed, and exhausted? IEP meetings and the special education system can be imbalanced leaving you on your own against a table of educators. That’s ok, many parents are unfamiliar with the educational services available for their child and are unsure of what to ask for in IEP meetings.

Maybe you’re looking for the special education process to be broken down in a relatable way by someone who ”gets” the emotional experience of trying to advocate for their child. We will make the IEP process seem more manageable leaving you more equipped and prepared. Finding out your child is different with an educational diagnosis is hard. Let’s walk through the initial tornado of emotions and questions. We will learn to see beyond the diagnosis and focus on your child’s unique abilities and superpowers.

Our goal is to equip, empower, and support parents to become fierce advocates for their child’s unique educational needs. You will become resourced and resilient while learning how to embrace a neurodivergent affirming mindset. When neurodivergence is embraced, acceptance and encouragement allow children to thrive in their own way. When children are loved and properly supported they feel a sense of belonging.

You may feel a shift from discouraged to empowered as you keep the long term vision for your child in the forefront and align your decisions with those values. You will uncover the secrets to navigating the special education system with Ashley Hinkle’s experience on both sides of the IEP table as both an educator and a mom to a son with Autism/ADHD. You may find yourself asking, ”How did I not know that?” ”Why did they never tell me that?” Ashley explains the special education system in a way that shifts it from feeling overwhelming to understandable.